What would you do? Renter wants to cancel.

[DVC Doctor]

As a good gesture I offered to allow them to be able to rebook and use the points until January 31st of 2022. Even though I don't have to as it isn't contract.

This is totally fair as you took points out of your ownership to book the room for them and they paid you (I assume you are paid in full). I do think you should allow them to sublease or allow someone else to take over the reservation as the modification can be done easily online, but giving them 11 months opportunity to use the points is very fair and extremely reasonable. In this situation, you are under no obligation to refund their money. DVC points as a one-year form of currency and on Feb 1, 2022 they are worth $0 unless they are banked and then on Feb 1, 2023 they for sure are worth $0

 

[CaliAdventurer]

A deal's a deal. Brokers don't budge and that's at $20pp. As an owner and a frequent renter, you are already being quite generous. Personally, I wouldn't extend the period to them but rather tell them you will list the points/res and if it sells, they get a refund. If it doesn't no refund. It will rent; people are going crazy for points right now but at least you will control the new rental, contract, money etc. lf they find a renter, they can refer it to you.

 

[DVC Doctor]

A deal's a deal. Brokers don't budge and that's at $20pp. As an owner and a frequent renter, you are already being quite generous. Personally, I wouldn't extend the period to them

I hope you are never in a situation where someone tells you "a deal is a deal" and there really is no downside to the DVC owner to extend the reservation to Jan 2022 when that is when the points expire. If all DVC owners take a hard stand against renters like you suggest, then the market will suffer as people will book with Disney as they can pay in credit cards and cancel before checkin and get their money back.

Seriously guys, this is crazy times and we need to be a little more accommodating to renters that may need to make a change or modification in their rental. This reminds me of zero tolerance policy when a 5th grader points a chicken finger at another kid and says bang-bang and he gets expelled from school. If you want to be hard nosed about modifications or changes, then perhaps you need to stop renting or sell your points.

The one thing covid has taught me is to be flexible and kind to others. Taking someone's money and then not helping them out when they are in a jam is just cruel, no matter if you have a contract or not, as making online changes takes 5 minutes extra effort and in the long run, you will have a repeat renter and happy customer.

 

[Grumpy by Birth]

I hope you are never in a situation where someone tells you "a deal is a deal" and there really is no downside to the DVC owner to extend the reservation to Jan 2022 when that is when the points expire. If all DVC owners take a hard stand against renters like you suggest, then the market will suffer as people will book with Disney as they can pay in credit cards and cancel before checkin and get their money back.

Seriously guys, this is crazy times and we need to be a little more accommodating to renters that may need to make a change or modification in their rental. This reminds me of zero tolerance policy when a 5th grader points a chicken finger at another kid and says bang-bang and he gets expelled from school. If you want to be hard nosed about modifications or changes, then perhaps you need to stop renting or sell your points.

The one thing covid has taught me is to be flexible and kind to others. Taking someone's money and then not helping them out when they are in a jam is just cruel, no matter if you have a contract or not, as making online changes takes 5 minutes extra effort and in the long run, you will have a repeat renter and happy customer.

Seems to me that the OP is being very flexible and shown a willingness to go above and beyond what is required by the contract.

Also, it's questionable whether the renter is "in a jam" or just trying to get out of the contract (admittedly speculation, but based on their comments, it sounds like they found a better deal and still plan to take the trip).

It's also not cool for a renter to leave the owner holding the bag just because they found a better deal and now want out of their non-refundable contract, using COVID as an excuse when they are actually still planning on taking the trip.

Again, perhaps that's not the case here, but the reported comments are highly suspicious.

 

[5th gate dreamers]

First of all, how many points are we talking about, as a 50 point rental vs 300 point rental is a huge sum and I would be much more accommodating to a large point renter

Second, DVC owners need to STOP being so rigid in their policies or they will kill it for everyone that needs or wants to rent points as negative renters will create negative online buzz.

If someone pays for points rental then it is my OPINION that we really need to provide service for this renter, especially in covid times and be helpful and accommodating. Sure, if you want to be a Grinch, then stick to your guns or lame contract and be warned that if your renter decides to fight back, you may not like it.

If they want to cancel and lose their 50% deposit, then that is their choice to lose that money
If they paid in full, and want to cancel, then you should allow them to rebook up until the points expire.
If they want to resell the points or transfer to another person, then that is fine, but you can charge a $1pp or so fee for the effort.

Look, I get it that you may have a contract or some worthless agreement, but in reality, DVC point rental is based on a TWO-WAY system of trust and if too many people lose money due to rigid policies, then that will only make it harder for everyone that wants to rent points.

This topic comes up often on this bbs and in the past people here have been very rigid about making changes and modifications and I think that is the wrong approach.

I understand that changes require effort and generally, in non-covid times, that is rare, but these days DVC members need to be more flexible in their policy or simply STOP renting points.

From the get go, this is self righteous...the number of points and the dollar amount should have no bearing (that looks like a wrong spelling) on doing "the right thing". The right thing to most of us is holding to the "lame contract"...you know, the tyoe of legal document that runs most of American life?
There is no driving away renters. Deal shoppers and bargain hunters will always seek out dvc. If the risk is unacceptable, then there is always disney direct for double the price.. The risk should rent with the points. We owners shoulder the risk when they are ours. Why should someone renting those points not rent that risk? I'm missing that part.

 

[Novatrix]

Honestly, since they're protesting so much, I'd retract your offer of extending use of the points until January 2022. It was very generous, and anyone genuinely in a bind (sudden medical emergency in the family, work trip that can't be pushed off, ect.) would've already leapt at it.

The reason I say to retract it, do you really want to deal with them trying to wear you down and complaining for the next 11 months? Stick to the contract and they only take up mental space for the next two months. Life's too short.

 

[justadreamaway77]

I am sure they are trying to rerent from someone else as I was given two different vague reasons for wanting to cancel.

AS a for allowing them to find someone else for reservation. This is stated as a no in the contract as well. That involves changing lead name on reservation. I would then have to have a new contract with new person per Disney rules. This new person could want to change on me as well and I could be stuck in this merry go round forever.

As a good will gesture I did offer them they could rebook until January 31, 2022 that is end of my use year. Again this not allowed for in contract but I am trying to allow them use of points. The statement I then got was I will check with hubby to see if we can cancel flights and car rental. Yeah I think they are playing me.

Playing you hard! Stick to your guns.

 

[Matty B13]

If they want to resell the points or transfer to another person, then that is fine, but you can charge a $1pp or so fee for the effort.

The problem with this is it completely voids the contract between the 2 parties, and then the original renter could just walk away. There have also been several cases of "renters" reselling reservations at a higher price, especially during the Fall during high demand times.

DVC rentals are cheap (even at $20/point) compared to Disney cash prices for a reason, because of the risk. If people didn't want the risk, then they should book with Disney at double or triple the price, because they can get a refund.

I bet if people started listing DVC rentals at a refundable price point, ie. $30-$40/point, people would pay for the non-refundable price at $15-$20/point almost every time.

 

[Sandisw]

I hope you are never in a situation where someone tells you "a deal is a deal" and there really is no downside to the DVC owner to extend the reservation to Jan 2022 when that is when the points expire. If all DVC owners take a hard stand against renters like you suggest, then the market will suffer as people will book with Disney as they can pay in credit cards and cancel before checkin and get their money back.

Seriously guys, this is crazy times and we need to be a little more accommodating to renters that may need to make a change or modification in their rental. This reminds me of zero tolerance policy when a 5th grader points a chicken finger at another kid and says bang-bang and he gets expelled from school. If you want to be hard nosed about modifications or changes, then perhaps you need to stop renting or sell your points.

The one thing covid has taught me is to be flexible and kind to others. Taking someone's money and then not helping them out when they are in a jam is just cruel, no matter if you have a contract or not, as making online changes takes 5 minutes extra effort and in the long run, you will have a repeat renter and happy customer.

I agree that prior to Covid happening owners may have been a little flexible with reservations made before all that happened.

But I’m confused why you feel a renter can agree to a contract that has the terms spelled out clearly and then just change their mind and the owner needs to be flexible?

I definitely understand that you don’t agree with owners who choose to rent differently than you, but once a renter agrees, it’s unfair to criticize an owner who wants the terms of the contract enforced, especially since this renter agreed to it a short time ago.

 

[DVC Doctor]

From the get go, this is self righteous...the number of points and the dollar amount should have no bearing (that looks like a wrong spelling) on doing "the right thing".

Not self righteous at all, but someone renting 50 points vs someone renting 300 points is a huge difference as an owner would have to make 6x reservations of 50 points vs 1x reservation of 300 points and investing a little time to helping one person vs 6x people is a lot less hassle.

But I agree that even a 50 point rental should get respect and if an owner wants to make a change for them, then that is great with me.

I only asked about the point size as that was never stated in this thread.

I agree that prior to Covid happening owners may have been a little flexible with reservations made before all that happened.

But I’m confused why you feel a renter can agree to a contract that has the terms spelled out clearly and then just change their mind and the owner needs to be flexible?

I definitely understand that you don’t agree with owners who choose to rent differently than you, but once a renter agrees, it’s unfair to criticize an owner who wants the terms of the contract enforced, especially since this renter agreed to it a short time ago.

There is no confusion here. I am merely posting my OPINION that DVC owners that rent their points should at least be helpful to their customers to make a change if some extenuating event happens and be less rigid with the language of no changes. I NEVER criticized anyone here and if they want to create a air tight contract that spells out no changes or modifications, then that is fine with me, but I think that is bad business for them and all DVC members that want to rent points.

Again, this is a two-way trust between renter and DVC owner and owners trust that a renter will pay on time and the DVC owner will make the proper reservation.

The way I look at it is - if someone is renting points form me, then they are entitled to the full use of the points and can make a modification or change as long as it is within the DVC rules (ie before they expire) and there is availability, then that is cool with me.

I have been a DVC member for 20 years or so and rent my excess points now and then for the past 10 years. It is RARE for someone that pays in full to cancel or request a date change. However with covid, and Disney closing, it threw a monkey wrench into the system.

If too many renters lose money or points because a DVC owner refuses to help accommodate a change, then that will be bad for everyone or perhaps an educated renter will avoid people with rigid reservation policies.

For the record, I 100% agree with the original poster that they are doing the right thing in this situation and would offer a rebooking until the points expire, but not offer a refund.

 

[Sandisw]

Not self righteous at all, but someone renting 50 points vs someone renting 300 points is a huge difference as an owner would have to make 6x reservations of 50 points vs 1x reservation of 300 points and investing a little time to helping one person vs 6x people is a lot less hassle.

But I agree that even a 50 point rental should get respect and if an owner wants to make a change for them, then that is great with me.

I only asked about the point size as that was never stated in this thread.



There is no confusion here. I am merely posting my OPINION that DVC owners that rent their points should at least be helpful to their customers to make a change if some extenuating event happens and be less rigid with the language of no changes. I NEVER criticized anyone here and if they want to create a air tight contract that spells out no changes or modifications, then that is fine with me, but I think that is bad business for them and all DVC members that want to rent points.

Again, this is a two-way trust between renter and DVC owner and owners trust that a renter will pay on time and the DVC owner will make the proper reservation.

The way I look at it is - if someone is renting points form me, then they are entitled to the full use of the points and can make a modification or change as long as it is within the DVC rules (ie before they expire) and there is availability, then that is cool with me.

I have been a DVC member for 20 years or so and rent my excess points now and then for the past 10 years. It is RARE for someone that pays in full to cancel or request a date change. However with covid, and Disney closing, it threw a monkey wrench into the system.

If too many renters lose money or points because a DVC owner refuses to help accommodate a change, then that will be bad for everyone or perhaps an educated renter will avoid people with rigid reservation policies.

For the record, I 100% agree with the original poster that they are doing the right thing in this situation and would offer a rebooking until the points expire, but not offer a refund.

Sorry,, maybe confused was the wrong word. I was trying to get a better handle on your thoughts.

It certainlY came across like you were criticizing people who are rigid as you told us to stop renting because we were making it more difficult for others. Or that we are wrong to have polices that don’t allow changes, etc because it impacts other DVC owners.

If that wasn’t the intent of the post, then it’s all good.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

I hope you are never in a situation where someone tells you "a deal is a deal" and there really is no downside to the DVC owner to extend the reservation to Jan 2022 when that is when the points expire. If all DVC owners take a hard stand against renters like you suggest, then the market will suffer as people will book with Disney as they can pay in credit cards and cancel before checkin and get their money back.

Seriously guys, this is crazy times and we need to be a little more accommodating to renters that may need to make a change or modification in their rental. This reminds me of zero tolerance policy when a 5th grader points a chicken finger at another kid and says bang-bang and he gets expelled from school. If you want to be hard nosed about modifications or changes, then perhaps you need to stop renting or sell your points.

The one thing covid has taught me is to be flexible and kind to others. Taking someone's money and then not helping them out when they are in a jam is just cruel, no matter if you have a contract or not, as making online changes takes 5 minutes extra effort and in the long run, you will have a repeat renter and happy customer.

I did get that answer for a rental last march when we didn't even have clue covid was coming. We now know all about it and it's buyer beware. Just like with hotels and airlines, if you want flexibility then you should expect to pay for it. If the OP rented for a premium price per point and feels ok about an extension, great but otherwise no, they signed a contract for Pete's sake. This in no way harm's the rental market if anything it bolster's it with serious renters. The demand for rentals is higher than ever. Availability is history from Oct 1. This is a seller's market, only those who follow through with their commitments need apply.

 

[DVC Doctor]

I am a VERY experienced DVC member and renter and have been active on multiple disney websites and this topic comes up often and seems to have two camps - the rigid no change owners and the flexible accommodating owners.

Also the topic of "we have a contract" comes up often, but I have never heard of anyone enforcing the contract (either side) in a real court, so who really know what would happen as these are not lawyer generated contracts that are not notarized and most people are in different states, so who has jurisdiction and who pays the legal fees. It is far simpler to avoid these situations and try to help your customer out and help solve problems. Additionally, happy customers refer their friends and unhappy ones trash talk you online.

Now, of course if a renter is trying to scam an owner with lies or make unreasonable impossible to meet demands, then that is a different story, but the vast majority of people looking to rent points want to take a family vacation to Disney and try to save money (not lose 100% of their money) with a rigid policy as they are newbies and do not understand that this is a TIMESHARE and not really a club.

One important thought that also never get discussed from the rigid no change dvc owners is - what happens when someone calls to say they need to cancel and are 100% sure they are not going. Does the owner go by the contract and not make any changes and let the room go to waste....or does the owner cancel the reservation and KEEP the points to re-rent or use themselves. There in lies the problem I have with rigid no change renters is that if they truly say no changes, then the room should go unused and waste the points, but I can't imagine anyone letting that happen.

 

[Sandisw]

I am a VERY experienced DVC member and renter and have been active on multiple disney websites and this topic comes up often and seems to have two camps - the rigid no change owners and the flexible accommodating owners.

Also the topic of "we have a contract" comes up often, but I have never heard of anyone enforcing the contract (either side) in a real court, so who really know what would happen as these are not lawyer generated contracts that are not notarized and most people are in different states, so who has jurisdiction and who pays the legal fees. It is far simpler to avoid these situations and try to help your customer out and help solve problems. Additionally, happy customers refer their friends and unhappy ones trash talk you online.

Now, of course if a renter is trying to scam an owner with lies or make unreasonable impossible to meet demands, then that is a different story, but the vast majority of people looking to rent points want to take a family vacation to Disney and try to save money (not lose 100% of their money) with a rigid policy as they are newbies and do not understand that this is a TIMESHARE and not really a club.

One important thought that also never get discussed from the rigid no change dvc owners is - what happens when someone calls to say they need to cancel and are 100% sure they are not going. Does the owner go by the contract and not make any changes and let the room go to waste....or does the owner cancel the reservation and KEEP the points to re-rent or use themselves. There in lies the problem I have with rigid no change renters is that if they truly say no changes, then the room should go unused and waste the points, but I can't imagine anyone letting that happen.

i can speak for me While I never had a cancel . I would absolutely NOT cancel the trip and would definitely let the points get taken because up until check in, and until it passes, no matter what, the renter could say, it is their trip. If they changed their mind again at the last minute and wanted to go, they could not come back to me and say I canceled

Now I have had renters who wanted to reduce days once and I did inot adjust and those points did get taken. Again, I have not rented a lot to strangers..do more transfer or family/friends...but when I do I charge less for this reason.

So I do think owners who are rigid and keep funds do indeed let them go.

I think it still comes down to owners set their terms, renters decide to accept or not.

I have had a previous renter reach out even with rigid policy to rent again. But I wasn’t in the position to do so. They check with me yearly.

ETA. I will say that when I rent again to someone not a friend or family, I will add that a refund will be given if the resort is closed, regardless of what happens to my points because if they can’t check in then that IMO would void the contract.

 

[Ronaldo17]

currently

Can you explain what is meant by PayPal direct? Is this the friends and family tab? I know by using the Paypal Invoice option, fees are charged but no fees are charged with the Friends and Family tab. What is the best was to have them send money under Paypal.

I have already transferred the money into my bank account and it has cleared into my account.

Yes, I use PayPal friends and family, there are no fees and you receive payment almost immediately This gives you control of the funds.

 

[Dean Marino]

Dumped. I need to remind myself to never post on this board.... .

 

[DVC Doctor]

"What would I do", as the original question.... OPINION follows.

As this was a CONTRACT? I would not deviate in any way from the legal CONTRACT. Doing so opens up so many possibilities of Court Action .

I disagree. If you both agree to a modification or date change, then that is still an acceptable valid contract. Has anyone bought a home and had to extend the closing date?

Seriously, how many people have REAL experience in court with one of these "DVC rental contracts" and how did it go for either party. We have lots of opinions online, but I am not aware of any REAL examples where a renter and owner end up in court with the contract.

 

[CarolinaMike]

Yes, I use PayPal friends and family, there are no fees and you receive payment almost immediately This gives you control of the funds.

The reason I asked this question is that in past I have used both the friends and family option and the invoice option. The funds showed up immediately for me in both cases. Maybe it has something to do with where the payee is transferring the funds from for the payment as to how soon it shows up?? Just a guess or maybe I've just been lucky?

 

[TonyCnLV]

As a person who sometimes rents I have the other perspective so it might be helpful to hear it from me. Tough cookies for them. I hate to say that, but this is a business transaction and everybody has to stick to the rules. How would I like it if 59 days before my trip my renter cancelled on me? . It stinks it has to be this way but it has to in order for all of us to continue this win win situation.

I would also add that if you DO offer to rebook,who’s to say they won’t ask for another change again down the line? I agree I’d say sorry you signed a contract. If you give an inch they may take a mile and that honestly isn’t really fair. I’d say as long as there’s no chance of losing the money you MAYBE offer one adjustment but otherwise it’s a final transaction. And I’ve rented and I know the risk 100% and the rules of holding points so I would understand the consequences.

 

[Thumper99]

Not to mention if you allowed them to rerent the room that means you have to call MS to change the lead name on the reservation and the hold times have been insane. Up to 60 to 85 minutes hold times. Ouch that is a lot your time spent sitting on hold.

Chat option. No problem. I changed lead guest easily in less than ten minutes.